1942: UChicago’s race to the first nuclear reaction

1942: A Historic Breakthrough, an Uncertain Future
Seventy-five years ago, University of Chicago scientists achieved the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, ushering in the Atomic Age. UChicago is commemorating this breakthrough with Nuclear Reactions, a series of public events that will explore the experiment’s long-term impact on physics, engineering, medicine, and energy, as well as the difficult issue of the development of nuclear fission weapons. These events present an opportunity to engage scientists, artists, policymakers, and the public around a set of issues that continue to change our world in profound ways. Learn more

UChicago to commemorate 75th anniversary of first chain reaction

Beginning in September and culminating in a two-day program on Dec. 1-2, the University of Chicago marks the 75th anniversary of the chain reaction experiment, which took place on Dec. 2, 1942, with a series of public events.